LET’S MAKE THIS EASY
Frequently Asked Questions
Simplifying a Complex Process
What is the best time to get started with Design Guidelines?
Because Design Guidelines can take time to draft and perfect, we suggest beginning the process as soon as you’ve outlined your vision for your community. Builders need a roadmap and they will plan and budget based upon the Guidelines you provide to them. Getting the Design Guidelines in their hands early helps everyone get off to a good start.
How do I get started?
Contact us! Every project is unique. During our initial discovery meeting we will learn more about your project and needs, and we’ll provide you with an overview of our services and our team.
Why do I need an outside resource to manage architectural control?
Residential development involves careful planning involving myriad details: land development, amenity construction, lot sales, marketing, and eventually home closings to happy homeowners. Development teams work hard and have a vested interest in making sure the value of the community is maintained. However, they typically do not have the desire, personnel, or expertise to review plans or completed homes for compliance and inconsistencies, even though this is critical to maintaining community value. Outsourcing to APR provides you with a team of experts, allowing you to focus on your core competency. We’ve got this. You can take the weekend off!
Where do you operate?
APR currently operates across the great state of Texas, but thanks to our cloud-based technology we are not limited by geography. Our Community Inspectors are located near our communities, acting as our boots on the ground, while our dedicated Community Specialists have a hybrid office/remote schedule.
What type of community needs Design Guidelines/architectural control?
If you are working with partner builders, you need Design Guidelines! Remember: to be clear is to be kind. Clear and concise Design Guidelines set the stage for a clear and consistent community build-out. Expectations should be set at the start of development. With APR’s experience and focus, changes should be minimal. And you can focus on your core competencies.
How much does it cost?
Every community is unique; so are the job requirements. Our pricing is based on your needs. However, the cost for professional architectural control and management by our expert team is often less than you would spend for an in-house employee (who will likely need extensive training). In addition, builders typically assume much of the cost through fees associated with plan submittals and inspections.
Can you handle homeowner requests for architectural change requests?
As an added value for our developer clients, we can provide a proposal to review Homeowner Modification Submittals. We will continue as your HMS reviewer until the community is handed over to the HOA.
How can APR make my job easier?
We’re so glad you asked! Everything architectural related: creating or editing Design Guidelines, floorplan and plot plan reviews, repetition monitoring, field inspections, and more. We do it all at APR so you don’t have to. If you would like to focus on your core competencies and take back your weekends, Let’s Talk!
What are the risks of not using an independent architectural control firm?
We’ve all seen those communities; the ones where you drive through and wonder to yourself, “Who was in charge?” Usually, the answer is that no one was in charge. The developer laid the groundwork and sold off the lots, trusting in the builders to do their best work and make the community look great. Unfortunately, beautiful communities do not happen magically. They take planning and dedication from beginning to end. Having an independent architectural control firm allows you to step back into the role of developer and maintain your builders as customers, while your architectural control firm acts as management and support for the construction process. You can relax knowing that you have a partner who will work to maintain your vision and the value of the community.
How does the onsite inspection work?
Inspectors are required to be in the field at least weekly. Larger, busier communities will require more visits. Inspections are requested, tracked, and processed through our cloud-based system. We are happy to conduct pre- and post-construction inspections, to meet your needs.
What’s the benefit of working with APR?
APR has been working with builders and developers for nearly 25 years in the Texas market. That kind of commitment builds a wealth of knowledge and expertise that is invaluable to your project. We do the hard work of managing your architectural control so you can take the weekend off!
Want to learn more?
Have more questions or just want to chat?
We’re here for you!